Putin, Syria's al-Sharaa had 'thorough exchange of views': Kremlin
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The Russian President holds a phone call with the interim president of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and reiterates his willingness to improve Syria's socioeconomic situation.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking to the head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin at the Kremlin on February 10, 2025 (AP)
In a call with Syria's transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his unwavering support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the Kremlin stated on Wednesday.
The Kremlin detailed how there was a "thorough exchange of views," regarding the situation in Syria, emphasizing that Russia's position is "principled" and supportive of Syrian "unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"In this regard, the importance of implementing a set of measures for sustainable normalization in the country, activation of inter-Syrian dialogue with the participation of leading political forces and ethno-confessional groups of the population was emphasized," the statement read.
It added that Putin reiterated Russia's willingness to assist in improving Syria's socioeconomic situation, including the provision of humanitarian aid, and wished the interim Syrian leader well in completing the tasks confronting the country's new leadership.
The phone call between Putin and al-Sharaa was productive, businesslike, and instructive, and the two leaders decided to continue communicating, according to the statement.
Last week, Syria's new Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra stated that Syria is open to allowing Russia to maintain its air and naval bases along the Mediterranean coast, provided that any agreement with Moscow serves Damascus' national interests.
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani indicated Wednesday that Damascus had received encouraging messages but needed more assurances from Russia and Iran, former President Bashar al-Assad's primary allies.
Al-Shibani stated during the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai that "there are positive messages, but we want these positive messages to turn into a clear policy that makes the Syrian people feel reassured."
Russia aims to maintain its naval base in Tartus and its air base in Hmeimim, both located in Northwest Syria. Last month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus.
"There are clear messages of respect for the new Syrian administration and respect for the sovereignty of the Syrian people. But as I told you, there are wounds among the Syrian people and there is pain that the Syrian people have suffered at the hands of these two countries," al-Shibani added.
